Review: Crash Into You by Katie McGarry

Published November 26th, 2013

HarlequinTeen

474 pages (Hardcover)

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The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. 

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look. 

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other. (From Goodreads)

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Geez, why do you do this to me Katie McGarry?

I like the cars.  Cars are sexy.  I know shit all about cars, but I like to drive fast and have spent a lot of time at the race track.  That's my way of saying that I liked how the book revolved around cars.  The addition of illegal activity and crime made the book.  I was reading the books and felt the adrenaline.  And then wanted to go see how fast I could make my '05 Pontiac Sunfire go down a back road (note that I didn't actually do this, but seriously considered it).  To go along with the cars, the writing was just hot, like always.  Be ready to fan yourself a wee bit.

When I heard this book would be about Isaiah, I was really excited.  I've wanted his story since Pushing The Limits, and I'm glad he didn't end up with Beth.  He is a far more complex character than past books suggested.  His interaction with Beth was well done.  His relationship with Rachel was a little bit too insta-love for my tastes, but the progression through the book was well done.  Rachel was a nice addition to the series.  Her internal struggle was great to follow.  My one issue was her family, which seemed unrealistically crazy.  The fact that no one noticed her health issues also threw me off.  I did really like her character, but not as much as I like Abby.  She needs her own book ASAP!

I loved Crash Into You.  It is a great addition to anyone's shelf, and I can't wait for the next book.  

Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu

Published January 29th, 2013
Putnam Juvenile
371 pages (Hardcover)

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Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic's most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots - a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games? (From Goodreads)

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Prodigy didn't do it for me.  I get the love for it, but it just didn't quite work for me.

My biggest concern with Legend was the characters.  I can't say Prodigy really solved those concerns for me.  I still didn't buy in to either Day or June.  I still felt like the characters were older than the writing suggested they were.  It's a difficult thing to explain, but neither character felt *real*.  I didn't feel a connection with either. 

The romance did improve slightly.  I'm still not digging the insta-love, but there is at least some tension now.  The tension comes in the form of a love triangle (Rectangle?  Quadrangle?), which isn't fantastic but at least it added some tension.  Seriously, these two are just a pair of horny teenagers and their insta-love makes no sense to me.  Hookup?  I get it.  Undying love?  I need some serious convincing.

The world-building was all over the place.  You thought you knew what was happening, then you didn't and then we're on another track.  It worked though.  The society here is complex and each country and group has a different perspective on the situation.  I found it a little confusing, but it definitely worked.  Similarly with the plot, it was back and forth.  One minute the Elector is to be hated, then loved, and back and forth until I just gave up trying to figure out where the story was going.

And I was *sooo* bored for a good half of the book.  Nothing was happening and I just wanted some action or something.  I am shocked that I actually finished the book.  I was a good two/thirds through the book before I got interested whatsoever, and you know what got me interested?  ACTION and RELATIONSHIP TENSION.  Serious.  If it weren't for the "oh-no-he-didn't" moment at the very end, I'd likely give up on the series here.

Prodigy didn't work for me.  There was a brief chunk that I did really enjoy, and it was mostly because shit was hitting the fan.  Fans of Legend will likely enjoy the sequel.  As for me, I am going to give Champion a shot, if only for the events of the last couple of chapters in Prodigy.

Review: Alice In Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Published September 25th, 2012
Harlequin Teen
404 pages (Hardcover)

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She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….

I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.
I'd tell my sister no.
I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.
I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.
Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.
I'd tell them I love them.
I wish... Yeah, I wish.  (From Goodreads)

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This book has been sitting on my shelf for so long.  Let's just say I am glad that I finally gave it a shot.

Alice in Zombieland was NOT what I expected.  I was expecting it to be more of a Alice In Wonderland retelling, but besides the references to the original story, it is an entity of it's own.

The world-building was great.  There is this complexity to the world that felt very straight-forward.  We've got these zombies that only certain people have the ability to see.  After her parents death, Ali gains the ability to see these zombies and eventually joins a crew of zombie fighters.  There are complexities in how the zombies are seen and killed, as well as the visions, that left me semi-confused, but the world just worked for me.

This book is engaging from the very first page.  The first chapter/prologue thing drew me in and I never turned back.  I also liked the balance here of action, development, and sexytime.  The action wasn't spectacular, but I truly enjoyed it.  The development of the plot and characters throughout the book worked really well.  As for the sexytime, you can tell this isn't the first rodeo for Gena Showalter.  I felt interested and engaged throughout the novel.

I was a fan of these characters.  The only issue I really had was with Emma, and it was that the dialogue didn't fit with an eight-year old.  Clearly, that is a very minor issue.  I'm really excited to see Ali develop through future books.  She has the potential to be a kickass heroine and I'm excited to see her character grow and reach her potential.  Even more though, I loved Kat.  Snark.  Snark snark snark snark SNARK.  I just love the humor and level of sincere friendship her character brings.  Finally, let's just take a moment to acknowledge the pure hotness that is Cole.  Like I said, this isn't Gena Showalter's first rodeo.  Cole is a hot douchebag at times, but then he does something and I just could not hate him.

I really enjoyed Alice In Zombieland, despite it not being what I expected whatsoever.  I love the characters and the plot and cannot wait to see what happens next!

Review: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Published November 19th, 2013
Razorbill
438 pages (Hardcover)

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Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this smoldering fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe. (From Goodreads)

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Oh, Adrian.  The Fiery Heart stepped up a series that I was never really engaged in.

The Fiery Heart continues from where The Indigo Spell left off.  There were aspects of The Fiery Heart that I really did like.  The romance between Sydney and Adrian really heats up.  That was something lacking previously in the series.  There was lots of kissing time, so yay for that.  There was also a brief appearance by my favourite Vampire Academy crew. 

With all the Sydney and Adrian time, there was a lack of other characters.  Where was Eddie the whole book?  I was a little disappoint in this.  Yes, we get to see some Rose and Lissa.  I enjoyed that.  Until the end of the book, we barely saw any of the others.  It slowed the book down a lot, and began to get a little repetitive.

The other issue I had was WHERE WAS ALL THE ACTION?!  Again, until the climax not a lot of anything happened.  The climax was good, and I really enjoyed the twist, but the lack of action slowed the book down further.  There really isn't a lot of drama either, beyond that in Sydney and Adrian's relationship.  In addition, I ended up so confused over a lot of the details brought forward from past books.  Holy complicated plot.  Some action may have helped my brain relax.

If it weren't for the addition of Adrian's perspective, I don't know how I would have taken this book.  Adrian is a far more emotional and insightful narrator than Sydney, who is far more analytic.  Adrian's artistic way of looking at the events of the story made the book for me. 

The Fiery Heart has been my favourite of the Bloodlines series, but has yet to meet the love I have for the Vampire Academy books.  I'm hoping the next book brings the action and the Eddie.

Review: Trust In Me by J.Lynn

Published October 22nd, 2013
William Morrow Impulse
352 pages (Kindle Edition)

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It’s Wait for You as you’ve never seen it. Trust in Me lets you in on Cam’s side of the #1 New York Times Bestselling story.

Cameron Hamilton is used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women. But when Avery Morgansten comes crashing into his life – literally – he finally meets the one person who can resist his soulful baby blues. But Cam’s not ready to give up. He can’t get the feisty and intriguing girl out of his head.

Avery has secrets, secrets that keep her from admitting the feelings Cam knows she has for him. Will persistence (and some delicious homemade cookies) help him break down her barriers and gain her trust? Or will he be shut out of Avery's life, losing his first real shot at the kind of love that lasts forever? (From Goodreads)

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As a rule, I am against this kind of thing, where a book is rewritten from another character's perspective.  In fact, I actively avoid it.  The only reason I gave Trust In Me a try is that I have complete trust in Jennifer L. Armentrout.  And Cam.  I do love Cam.

Trust In Me was actually a great read!  It really is basically the same story as Wait For You (which I LOVED), but Cam's perspective was so interesting that it worked.  I knew the story, but it still felt all new.  Example, hearing Cam's perspective of the Halloween party was really cool.

Trust In Me gives us more Jase and Ollie, which I am completelyyyy okay with.  Really, I have no problems with this.  None at all.  When are their books/novellas coming out again? (FYI Be With Me featuring Jase and Teresa is out Feb. 4th)

Just like Wait For You, I can see myself reading Trust In Me multiple times.  It just has that quality about it that gives you hope for humanity.  No, I'm not even exaggerating on that one.  I had faith in humanity again.  Mostly in the fact that not all men suck all the time, but you catch my drift.  Words are failing me.  Just go read the book.

Review: Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols

Published July 10th, 2012
MTV Books
325 pages (Hardcover)

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When I was fourteen, I made a decision. If I was doomed to live in a trailer park next to an airport, I could complain about the smell of the jet fuel like my mom, I could drink myself to death over the noise like everybody else, or I could learn to fly.

Heaven Beach, South Carolina, is anything but, if you live at the low-rent end of town. All her life, Leah Jones has been the grown-up in her family, while her mother moves from boyfriend to boyfriend, letting any available money slip out of her hands. At school, they may diss Leah as trash, but she’s the one who negotiates with the landlord when the rent’s not paid. At fourteen, she’s the one who gets a job at the nearby airstrip.

But there’s one way Leah can escape reality. Saving every penny she can, she begs quiet Mr. Hall, who runs an aerial banner-advertising business at the airstrip and also offers flight lessons, to take her up just once. Leaving the trailer park far beneath her and swooping out over the sea is a rush greater than anything she’s ever experienced, and when Mr. Hall offers to give her cut-rate flight lessons, she feels ready to touch the sky.

By the time she’s a high school senior, Leah has become a good enough pilot that Mr. Hall offers her a job flying a banner plane. It seems like a dream come true . . . but turns out to be just as fleeting as any dream. Mr. Hall dies suddenly, leaving everything he owned in the hands of his teenage sons: golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson. And they’re determined to keep the banner planes flying.

Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business—until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers—and the consequences could be deadly. (From Goodreads)

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Guys!  This is my first Jennifer Echols book!  I really liked it!

In my mind, Jennifer Echols' books equated to those of Sarah Dessen and Nicholas Sparks, which I just wasn't into.  I take it all back.

The plot here was really cool.  Don't lie, you like airplanes.  It makes for an original plot and I respect that.  Leah is ambitious and hard-working and is defying what she was given in order to be something more.  Again, I respect that.  There is a level of maturity there that really matches the tone of the story.  Also, snark.  Everyone loves snark.

I know I say this a lot, but the characters really make this story.  The relationships between Leah, Grayson, Alec, and Molly felt entirely real.  There was that genuine quality.  And I won't lie, I was cheering for Leah and Grayson from the start.  I really liked that the story started in a place where most of the characters all ready knew one another.  I think that is what made it feel so genuine, in that the development flowed and didn't happen too quickly.  

Such A Rush was a roller coaster.  I was content, then heartbroken, confused, swooning and cheering.  It is a great read that has lead me to want more from Jennifer Echols!

Single Shot: Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi

Published December 17th, 2013
HarperCollins
68 pages (eBook)

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As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam's focus couldn't be further from the upcoming battle. He's reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend's life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James's safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It's time for war.

On the battlefield, it seems like the odds are in their favor—but taking down Warner, Adam's newly discovered half brother, won't be that easy. The Reestablishment can't tolerate a rebellion, and they'll do anything to crush the resistance . . . including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about. (From Goodreads)

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Well, shit.  That was literally my only reaction.  I mean it in the best way possible but geez, WHY DOES TAHEREH DO THIS TO US?!

I'm not typically a connoisseur of novellas, but I couldn't hold back on this one.  I am 100% #TeamAdam and could not turn down Adam's perspective.  It was just as heartbreaking as I expected, especially when coupled with the Ignite Me preview.  Adam has always had this crazy internal struggle going on, and see it in words pained me.  I want to hug him and tell him it will all be okay.  It's nice to see a little more of his relationship with his brother, as well.  James is this constant force in his life, and I never realized how much that competed with his need for Juliette.

I'm now begging for Ignite Me.  And I remain #TeamAdam entirely.  Wholeheartedly.  Tahereh Mafi has shattered my heart, but all the little pieces are still rooting for Juliette and Adam.  Best $2.99 I've spent in a while.

Review: Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins

Published October 1st, 2013

HarlequinTEEN

268 pages (Kindle Edition)

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Cami Broussard has her future all figured out. She'll finish her senior year of high school, then go to work full-time as an apprentice chef in her father's French restaurant, alongside her boyfriend, Luke. But then twenty-year-old ex-Marine Julian Wyatt comes to live with Cami's family while recovering from serious injuries. And suddenly Cami finds herself questioning everything she thought she wanted.

Julian's all attitude, challenges and intense green-brown eyes. But beneath that abrasive exterior is a man who just might be as lost as Cami's starting to feel. And Cami can't stop thinking about him. Talking to him. Wanting to kiss him. He's got her seriously stirred up. Her senior year has just gotten a lot more complicated… (From Goodreads)

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Okay, so this was a good read, but kind of forgettable.

When I was reading it, I was really enjoying the story.  It was hot and swoon-worthy.  (Side note: Why are ski lodges so hot and romantic and a place to bring out all the feelings?!)  Let's be honest, what girl wouldn't want Julian?  The aspect of self-discovery was a nice touch.  We get to watch Cami grow into her own person and reach for her own goals.  We get to watch Julian heal, battle his own demons and discover what he wants out of his life.  Plus, that ending was so friggin' cute and romantic.  There aren't words for that ending.

The problem is that I found it somewhat forgettable.  It's been a couple weeks since I read the book and, until I copied the description above, I had forgotten what the book was entirely.  The description sparked my memory on the parts I loved, but there are likely large chunks I don't remember.  I didn't remember the character names.  I had forgotten that ending I loved.  I forgot the ski lodge?!  I'm not sure what the story was missing, but there needed to be something to make me remember.  As nice as the cover is, it tells me nothing about the story.

I do recommend Stir Me Up.  It was hot and I really did enjoy reading it.  There was just a little something missing.  That wow-factor wasn't there for me.  Still, I wouldn't pass up on the sexy Julian time.

Review: Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Published October 1st, 2013

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

320 pages (Hardcover)

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I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way. (From Goodreads)

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I LOVED THIS BOOK.  LOVED IT.  LOVED IT!

I love secret societies and I love the paranormal.  Integrating the two was perfection.  Not going to lie, as excited as I was, I was skeptical as to how it would actually turn out.  The paranormal aspects were well founded in actual beliefs.  It was clear that Kami Garcia put some research into her novel.  I will say that the Shift idea confused me a bit, but this didn't take away the overall story.

I loved the pacing of the book.  I think I only sat it down once, and not out of choice.  From the start, I was completely engaged in the plot.  The action starts fast and is spaced well.  The book almost progresses in stages, with the bursts of action and drama.  This created a nice flow.

The characters were great.  Each had their own distinct personality and complemented one another.  I know this is predictable, but Jared was my favourite.  Sigh, damaged and  angsty Jared.  I really enjoyed the interaction and tension between him and his twin brother.  I also liked the relationship that developed between him and Kennedy.  No insta-love here.  We've got a nice slow-building and satisfying romance to go along with the story.  But beyond this, the friendships between the group as a whole develop throughout the story.  I felt Kennedy's emotions as the story progressed, although I do question why she trusted the boys so quickly.  I mean, if two unknown (attractive) boys show up in my bedroom, I'm not hopping a van with them. 

I loved Unbreakable and cannot wait for book two.  Fans of the paranormal will adore this book, but I would recommend it to anyone.  Go get it now.

Review: The Can't Cook Book: Recipes for the Absolutely Terrified! by Jessica Seinfeld

Published October 3rd, 2013

Atria Books

256 pages (Hardcover)

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Are you smart enough to dodge a telemarketer yet clueless as to how to chop a clove of garlic? Are you clever enough to forward an e-mail but don’t know the difference between broiling and baking? Ingenious enough to operate a blow-dryer but not sure how to use your blender? If you are basically competent, then Jessica Seinfeld’s The Can’t Cook Book is for you.

If you find cooking scary or stressful or just boring, Jessica has a calm, confidence-building approach to cooking, even for those who’ve never followed a recipe or used an oven. Jessica shows you how to prepare deliciously simple food—from Caesar salad, rice pilaf, and roasted asparagus to lemon salmon, roast chicken, and flourless fudge cake. At the beginning of each dish, she explains up front what the challenge will be, and then shows you exactly how to overcome any hurdles in easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.

Designed to put the nervous cook at ease, The Can’t Cook Book is perfect for anyone who wants to gain confidence in the kitchen—and, who knows, maybe even master a meal or two. (From Goodreads)

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A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  This in no way influenced my opinion.  Thanks to Simon & Schuster for also providing photos from the book for this review.

I cannot cook to save my life.  I know I'm not the only person out there in this boat, and I'm about to tell you why you should pick up this book!

First off, this book gives you the basics.  It starts with a summary of the basics that a well stocked kitchen needs.  I immediately realized that I lacked several things, and I think that is my only real complaint with the book.  It sort of assumes that the reader can go out and pick up whatever they are missing.  Some people with real jobs may be able to, but college students with limited budgets and no cooking skills can go out and purchase a food processor on a whim.  There were a couple recipes I would love to try, as soon as I decide how to combat my lack of a food processor (apparently a blender won't cut it...).

Beyond this annoyance, the book really does break down the basics of cooking for the reader.  There is a whole section of how-to tips that the recipes will refer you back to.  They're basic things, but so handy to refer back too.  The book also includes conversion charts and a table of what's in season.  These little details are awesome.

The recipes are great.  I've tried a few, including the Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, Your First Chili, and Toasted Pine Nut and Cranberry Quinoa, and I enjoyed them all.  I wouldn't say any of the recipes are groundbreaking, but they're all simple, and the ones I have tried have been delicious!  Overall, the directions are pretty simple to follow, and include an outline of all the ingredients and equipment required.  And there are pictures of EVERYTHING, which I love having!  The photography is fantastic (as you can see oh my I am hungry now).

I love this book.  Like actually love it.  I wish this had been out when I first started living on my own.  If you need to work on your cooking skills, or know someone learning to cook for themselves, check this out now!

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Published November 29th, 2011
Putnam Juvenile
320 pages (Hardcover)

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What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. 

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.  (From Goodreads)

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Legend was an interesting dystopian read that I'm surprised I didn't pick up earlier.  I wouldn't call it a favourite, but Legend made for an enjoyable read.

I think the characters were the problem for me.  Did anyone else get the sense that June and Day were a lot older than 15?  Their attitudes and actions and words made me think that they were a lot older.  I was picturing them as 17/18/19 year olds.  I can't quite pinpoint what it was, but the characters just did not mesh for me.  Day was supposed to be a badass criminal type, but he was injured for a large portion of the book.  June was obnoxiously smart in a way that seemed unrealistic.  The relationship in this book seemed way too insta-love for my liking.  Overall, the characters just didn't do anything for me.

The world-building was good.  It is a well constructed dystopian society with an oppressive and controlling government.  Aspects of it have a realistic quality.  The trials, climate change, influence of disease and application of eugenics all worked together and felt like something that could actually happen.  I'm excited to see more in future novels.

The story started good, then slowed down quite a bit.  I found myself a little bored for a while and wishing that something would happen.  I get that there were plot twists developing, but I was getting a little impatient.  The ending picked up again because ACTION.  There was enough action at the end to leave me wanting more.

Overall, I enjoyed Legend.  Fans of the dystopian genre should definitely give this book a try.  That being said, I expected a little something more from the characters.  I'm hoping with some more character development, future books in the series will impress me more.

Review: 3:AM Kisses by Addison Moore

Published September 17th, 2013
Addison Moore Publishing
302 pages (Kindle Edition)

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Baya Brighton is looking forward to her first year at Whitney Briggs University, new friends, dorm life, and finally being close to her brother again. Love is the last thing on the list, but when Baya meets her brother’s roommate she begins to have thoughts and feelings that make even her blush. 

Bryson Edwards has a secret he prefers buried in the past and long forgotten. He prefers loose girls, fast cars, and long nights working at the string of bars his family owns. When his roommate’s sister shows up on the scene, she’s far too innocent and sweet for him but he can’t shake Baya out of his mind and worse, it looks like she’s seeping into his heart as well. 

Baya seems determined to show her brother she’s not a little kid and equally determined to use Bryson’s body to prove her point. It’s been made pretty clear that Baya is off limits to Bryson but their undeniable sparks explode into a whole lot more than just a few 3:AM KISSES. (From Goodreads)

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Yeah... No.

This was just ridiculous, and not in the good way.

There was nothing appealing about this book.  From the start that could have been funny (but wasn't) to the end that could have been romantic (but wasn't), I was questioning why I was even trying.  Baya's mind just wasn't interesting.  A little bit of deep thought is nice.  Baya had none of that.  Her mind was just sex, sex, I need to lose my virginity, sex.  I think Bryson was the attempt at a deeper, tortured character, but that didn't work either.  Again, sex.  The brother and two friends felt like unnecessary placeholders in the story.  And, again, overly sexualized placeholders.

And let's talk about sex for a minute.  I have absolutely no problem with sex in books.  I'm by no means a prude, but this was just uncomfortable and ridiculous.  It was way too racy for the average reader.  The analogies and writing in this book was not swoon-worthy or hot at all.  It was just uncomfortable.  Sometimes it was kind of humourous, but in that embarrassing way.  Here's one of my favourite gems for you all:

"...he sent my insides quivering right down to my penis pocket..."

Yeah, no.  Although I will admit I laughed.

When I read, I like to be able to share it with others.  I think that is the biggest issue here.  There is no one that I feel like I could actually recommend this book to.  It's not hot, it's just racy and uncomfortable, and that requires a very specific audience.  

So, yeah... no.  I just cannot recommend this.  The cover is nice though.

Review: Faking It by Cora Carmack

Published June 14th, 2013
355 pages (Kindle Edition)
William Morrow

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Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.  (From Goodreads)

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This book has that quality about it where it seems completely unrealistic, but somehow could happen to you someday...

The characters make the story.  Cade is that underdog I couldn't help but cheer for in Losing It.  Even when Bliss reappears temporarily in this book, I was cheering for Cade.  Max is like that, too.  You know she can do so much better for herself.  I was cheering for her the whole way.  Max is so misunderstood, but Cade sees through it and *swoon*.  These two just draw you into the story.  There is definitely insta-lust, but also this friendship and understanding that blossoms.  I just love these characters and their development through the story.

The problem for me is that, while it makes for a great read, it felt so unrealistic.  Chapter after chapter, each event that occurred felt sort of surreal and unlikely to me.  There was an aspect of realism that was missing.  Max's parents and Cade's ability to play along just felt a little bizarre.

I did really like Faking It.  The characters did it for me.  There was that ability to connect with both sides that drew me into the story.

Review: Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published November 2nd, 2013
Spencer Hill Press
360 pages (Paperback)

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It's a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself. (From Goodreads)

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My love of this series is no secret.  I love the Covenant books.  The journey has been a roller coaster of emotions.  One minute you're swooning, then in action-overload, then curled up and crying...

If you're new to the game, I loved Half-Blood, Pure, Deity, Elixir, and Apollyon.

Sentinel is a fantastic conclusion.  It definitely did not go in the way I had expected or really hoped, but this was so much better.  I was engaged from the first page, and finished the book in under 5 hours.  The story is just that good.  I think the influence of Greek mythology is what keeps it so engaging and appealing.  Greek myths have the same qualities.  Add that with JLA's great storytelling.  Seriously, I just want to sit in her mind for a few minutes because her writing appeals to me so much.

If you've made it this far in the series, you likely love the characters.  Alex is still a badass.  Aiden is still perfect.  Seth actually had my mind racing in crazy directions.  I don't hate him anymore.  That's all I'll say about that.  Then characters start dying and you're just reeling and trying to tell yourself it's okay.  But it isn't.  What you just read cannot be undone.  I might need counselling.

Sentinel was a great conclusion to a great series.  It's that simple.  I would recommend the Covenant books to anyone.  

Review: A Little Too Much by Lisa Derochers

Published November 12th, 2013

William Morrow Impulse

416 pages (eBook)

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In the follow-up to Lisa Desrochers’ explosive New Adult novel A Little too Far, Alessandro Moretti must face the life he escaped and the girl he loved and left behind.

Twenty-two year old Hilary McIntyre would like nothing more than to forget her past. As a teenager abandoned to the system, she faced some pretty dark times. But now that’s all behind her. Hilary has her life on track, and there’s no way she’ll head back down that road again.

Until Alessandro Moretti—the one person who can make her remember—shows up on her doorstep. He’s even more devastatingly gorgeous than before, and he’s much too close for comfort. Worse, he sees right through the walls she’s built over these last eight years, right into her heart and the secrets she’s guarding.

As Hilary finds herself falling back into love with the man who, as a boy both saved and destroyed her, she must decide. Past or future? Truth or lies? (From Goodreads)

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A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review (Thanks William Morrow Impulse!).  This in no way influenced my opinion.

I was pleasantly surprised by A Little Too Much.  I didn't read the first book, A Little To Far.  In all honesty the whole "step-brother" thing pushed me away.  A Little Too Much may spoil A Little To Far's ending, but can be read 100% independent of the other book.  And I actually enjoyed it!

A Little Too Much gave me that OMG-I-have-to-move-to-NYC-immediately feeling.  The main characters spend a fair bit of time exploring the city, and I think this was my favourite part.  I was left with a deep sense of wanderlust.  I wanted to find myself a cute guy with nice arms and go tourist-ing.

Alessandro has that tall, dark and handsome thing going on, and I am completely on board with it.  Seriously, sign me up.  The characters were good, and I have no real complaints beyond some of the dialogue.  Not all of it, but a bit of the more brooding stuff felt a little cheesy.  So, I just gave an Italian accent to everything and dealt with it.  I wouldn't say that Hilary and Alessandro are now my favourite characters of all time, but there was the growth I look for and no big issues.

What I really liked about this story was that it felt deeper than most of the NA I've read.  There was actually content here.  Most NA novels seem to follow a similar formula.  The recipe here is similar, but the exploration of the city and BOMB THAT DROPS IN CHAPTER 23 left me satisfied.  Again, it felt deeper.  The last sentence was likely my favourite in the whole novel.  I was so pumped for the next chapter and sorry the end.  Again, it was completely satisfying.

I recommend this to, not only fans of NA, but fans of romance in general.  The sex isn't overly explicit, and the story felt like there was actual content to it.  I don't know if I will go back and read the first book, but I will be picking up the next one!

Review: Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Published December 12th, 2012
Razorbill
412 pages (Hardcover)

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In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword. . . .The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed? (From Goodreads)

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I've been digging the fantasy genre of late, and Falling Kingdoms did not disappoint.

Set in the land of Mytica, Falling Kingdoms has a feel similar to A Song of Fire and Ice (note that I have not read the books, this is based off the two seasons of Game of Thrones I've watched).  As far a settings go, there was not a ton of description beyond the three kingdoms within Mytica.  Some other areas are mentioned in vague detail, and will hopefully become more prominent in future books.  

Morgan Rhodes was not afraid to kill characters, but not until after you became attached, or when you weren't expecting it.  I won't spoil anything but OMG I was not pleased.  So, there is this...

The characters were really well done, and I truly developed some strong feelings for some of them.  Example, I hate Cleo, one of several main characters.  She felt like your typical teenage brat to me, and I was not digging it.  Compare this to Jonas, who I should have hated but couldn't!  I also liked Magnus and Lucia and Theon and ugh...

The story is complex, but not too complicated to confuse you.  I really enjoyed the many perspectives used.  The story follows, for the most part, Cleo, Magnus, Lucia, and Jonas.  Four "protagonists" (you can be the judge on that one) is a lot, but it worked well.  There were some timing issues that come with so many perspectives, but they never threw me off too badly.

Falling Kingdoms was a great read for anyone interest in, but intimidated by, fantasy novels.  I cannot wait to see where the series goes next.